Pulsar Massive is a dynamic audio plugin that emulates the iconic sound of the legendary Massive Passive EQ, a hardware unit renowned for its unique sonic character and versatility. This software recreation aims to capture the essence of the original hardware, offering users the ability to shape and enhance their audio with the same warmth, depth, and musicality that made the original a staple in professional studios worldwide.
Massive offers four bands of equalization, each with selectable frequency ranges and the ability to switch between bell and shelf modes. The plugin also includes high-pass and low-pass filters, as well as a master input and output section for fine-tuning the overall signal level and coloration. Users can choose between stereo and mid-side processing modes, allowing for precise control over the stereo image of their audio.
Pros:
• Exceptional sound quality that closely emulates the original hardware
• Intuitive and visually appealing user interface
• Versatile EQ options with a wide range of tonal shaping possibilities
Cons:
• CPU-intensive, especially when using multiple instances
Pulsar Audio has gone to great lengths to model the intricate circuitry and components of the hardware unit, including its passive EQ design and transformer-based output stage. The plugin features a meticulously crafted user interface that closely resembles the original hardware, complete with its distinctive green faceplate and chunky knobs. This attention to detail results in a plugin that not only looks authentic but also delivers a sound that is remarkably close to its hardware counterpart.
Pulsar Audio Massive boasts an impressive array of features that make it a powerful tool for audio professionals and enthusiasts alike. At its heart are the four fully parametric EQ bands, each offering a choice of five or six selectable center frequencies. These bands can be switched between bell and shelf modes, providing flexibility in shaping the frequency response of the audio signal. The plugin’s high and low-pass filters are particularly noteworthy, offering a gentle 6dB per octave slope that allows for subtle tonal adjustments without introducing harsh artifacts. These filters can be used to clean up the low end or tame harsh high frequencies while maintaining the natural character of the source material.
Massive has the ability to impart a subtle but pleasing coloration to the audio, even when no EQ adjustments are made. This is achieved through the plugin’s accurate modeling of the original hardware’s transformer-based output stage and passive circuitry. Users can dial in varying degrees of this analog-style warmth using the input and output controls, allowing for anything from a subtle enhancement to a more pronounced vintage character. It also includes a mid-side processing mode, which allows users to apply EQ separately to the center and sides of the stereo image. This feature is particularly useful for mastering applications or for creative sound design, enabling precise control over the width and depth of the mix.
Massive offers both a vintage and modern operational mode. The vintage mode closely emulates the behavior of the original hardware, including its unique frequency interactions and subtle non-linearities. The modern mode, on the other hand, provides a more predictable and precise EQ response, catering to users who prefer a more transparent approach to equalization.
Pulsar Audio has also included a comprehensive preset library with Massive, offering a wide range of starting points for various mixing and mastering scenarios. These presets showcase the plugin’s versatility and can serve as educational tools for users looking to understand how professional engineers utilize this type of equalizer.
While it may be more CPU-intensive than some of its competitors, the trade-off in sound quality and analog-like behavior is likely to be worth it for many users. The inclusion of both vintage and modern operational modes adds to its flexibility, allowing it to cater to different mixing and mastering approaches.
When compared to other emulations of the Massive Passive EQ, Pulsar Audio’s Massive stands out for its attention to detail and overall sound quality. While plugins like Universal Audio’s Massive Passive and Softube’s Passive-Active Pack offer their own takes on this classic hardware, Massive manages to capture a level of depth and analog-like behavior that many users find particularly convincing. In terms of CPU usage, Massive is generally more demanding than some of its competitors. However, this increased processing power translates to a more accurate emulation of the hardware’s complex circuitry and non-linear behavior. Compared to more general-purpose equalizers like FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3 or iZotope’s Ozone EQ, Massive offers a more specialized and characterful sound. While it may not have the surgical precision of these digital EQs, it excels in imparting a musical and analog-like quality to the audio that many engineers find desirable.
This plugin is best for:
• Mix engineers seeking to add warmth and character to their tracks
• Mastering professionals looking for a high-quality, analog-style EQ
• Producers wanting to achieve a vintage sound in their productions
• Audio post-production specialists requiring a versatile EQ for sound design
Massive is a remarkable emulation of a classic piece of hardware that has found its way into countless professional studios. Its ability to faithfully recreate the sound and behavior of the original Massive Passive EQ is impressive, offering users access to a highly sought-after analog sound in a convenient digital format. The plugin’s intuitive interface, coupled with its extensive feature set, makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of audio applications. For those seeking to add warmth, depth, and character to their audio, Pulsar Audio Massive is a compelling option. Its ability to enhance and shape sound in a musical way, combined with its authentic emulation of classic hardware, makes it a valuable addition to any audio professional’s toolkit. Whether used for subtle tonal adjustments or more dramatic sound shaping, Massive proves to be a powerful and versatile equalizer that lives up to its namesake.